National Rifle Association's CEO fends off attacks from within, wins re-election

The National Rifle Association, facing internal turmoil over its financial management, increasingly partisan tone, and legal threats from government regulators, beat back efforts to overhaul its operations. Wayne LaPierre, the public face of the gun lobbying group for decades, fended off a backlash and was re-appointed Monday as the gun lobby's CEO.It was unclear if the debate that has roiled the five-million-member organization in recent weeks would still lead to significant changes in its operations.In recent days, retired lieutenant colonel Oliver North lost a bid for a second term as president and was replaced by Carolyn Meadows, a longtime member. But most of the board remained intact and despite a very public tussle with its longtime public relations firm, which has received tens of millions of dollars to steer its message, the board did not formally sever ties with it.Despite the turmoil, LaPierre struck a cheery tone in a statement after the board meeting: "United we stand. The NRA board of directors, our leadership team, and our more than five million members will come together as never before in support of our country's constitutional freedoms."For the past two decades, the NRA has faced criticism from among its ranks that its leaders had become corrupted by the millions of dollars flowing into its coffers. The criticism has included allegations of self-dealing and excessive personal spending. Now the pressure has increased, with New York's attorney general opening an investigation that could threaten the group's tax-exempt status.New York Attorney General Letitia James has begun an investigation into the NRA, which she has called 'a terrorist organization.' (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)The NRA's charter was originally filed in New York, giving authorities there broad latitude to investigate its operations. Newly elected New York Attorney General Letitia James has made no bones about her dislike of the NRA, calling it

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